Impureza release cinematic music video for 'Covadonga' • GRIMM Gent

The official music video for “Covadonga” is now available, highlighting one of the most emblematic tracks from Alcázares, the latest full-length opus by Franco-Spanish ensemble IMPUREZA. With their distinctive fusion of death metal ferocity and flamenco tradition, the band invokes the legendary Battle of Covadonga, a decisive moment in medieval history that has long been mythologized as the catalyst of the Spanish Reconquista.

The song itself distills the essence of IMPUREZA’s Hispanic Metal identity. Across four intense minutes, flamenco-rooted phrasings and martial acoustic textures are interwoven with crushing riffs, guttural Spanish vocals, and relentless percussion. Orchestral arrangements and hand-played percussion heighten the sense of cinematic scope, conjuring both the chaos of battle and the aura of divine intervention. Lyrically, “Covadonga” recounts the miracle that secured Asturian victory: arrows returning upon their archers, boulders collapsing from the sacred mountain, and the belief that Providence itself had sealed the defenders’ triumph.

The video for “Covadonga” was directed by Thomas Hurbourg and filmed at L’Empreinte in Savigny-le-Temple, with live sound handled by FOH engineer Nirshad Chowthee and lighting by Loïc Hannebert. On stage, IMPUREZA are joined by Cécile “La Cécilia” Cappozzo, whose fiery flamenco dance embodies the fusion of tradition and extremity at the core of the band’s vision. As the band themselves affirm:

“Cécilia ignites, Impureza burns. Flamenco and metal, a single incandescent blade. Mennecy Metal Fest, we come with the blazing breath of Hispanic Metal and the fire of bailaora Cécilia Cappozzo.”

Within the wider framework of Alcázares, “Covadonga” serves as the narrative ignition point: the spark from which centuries of struggle unfold. Its compact, explosive form contrasts with the album’s lengthier epics, yet summarizes the duality at the heart of IMPUREZA’s work: beauty and violence, faith and vengeance, folklore and extremity. Through this union of historical myth and modern brutality, the band continue to affirm their place as pioneers of an uncompromisingly unique style.

Following the release of the “Covadonga” video, IMPUREZA will bring their vision to the stage at Mennecy Metal Fest 2025 on September 6th. The band will be joined by flamenco dancer Cécile “La Cécilia” Cappozzo, recreating the fiery synergy between metal and dance as seen in the video. This special performance promises to merge the raw intensity of brutal death metal with the elegance and passion of flamenco in a live ritual of Hispanic Metal.

Tickets are available here:
https://mmfestival.mapado.com/en/event/480856-mennecy-metal-fest

Alcázares is out now via Season of Mist.

Read our review on the release here.

Order & Stream here: https://orcd.co/impurezaalcazares

Tracklist:
1. Verdiales (1:15)
2. Bajo las Tizonas de Toledo (6:25)
3. Covadonga (4:01)
4. Pestilencia (4:44)
5. Reconquistar Al-Ándalus (5:25)
6. Murallas (2:24)
7. La Orden del Yelmo Negro (4:57)
8. Castigos Eclesiásticos (6:06)
9. El Ejército de los Fallecidos de Alarcos (5:18)
10. Ruina del Alcázar (1:37)
11. Santa Inquisición (6:26)
Full runtime: 49:02

IMPUREZA is a Franco-Spanish metal band formed in 2004 by guitarist Lionel Cano Muñoz from Orléans. Their music is distinguished by a unique fusion of extreme metal and Spanish sounds inspired by Andalusian culture and flamenco, creating an atypical style known as Hispanic Metal. IMPUREZA remains an innovative project in the international metal scene, making it a pioneer of the genre.

The entire concept of the band revolves around the voluptuousness of Latin atmospheres, the ferocity of metal, and Spanish culture and history, explored through a fictional and esoteric aspect. Their compositions feature both clean and guttural vocals sung in the language of Cervantes, flamenco guitar, acoustic fretless bass, extreme metal, and orchestral arrangements that evoke the colors of Spain. The very essence of their music lies in the duality between two seemingly opposed musical genres, which, through clever composition, give birth to a new and avant-garde style. Their fiery music is literally the union of traditional Hispanic folklore and extreme metal. These metal warriors brandish their Iberian sounds as weapons with pride. This ingenious alliance is matched only by the singular and unprecedented creative originality of its founder Lionel Cano Muñoz and his compañero Esteban Martín, both of Spanish nationality. IMPUREZA’s conquistadors draw inspiration from their strong identity, which defines the band’s very essence. Often nicknamed the “French Nile” due to their primary influences, combining the complex and brutal lines of death metal with the most ardent and undulating Latin flames. IMPUREZA‘s members are also influenced by many Spanish artists such as flamenco guitarist Paco de Lucía and gypsy singer Camarón de la Isla, as well as bands like Behemoth, Morbid Angel, Krisiun, and Fleshgod Apocalypse, among others.

Let the conquistadors of IMPUREZA lead you into their realm and immerse you in Spanish culture with a groundbreaking musical concept — the one and only fierce guardians of Hispanic Metal!

SOMOS IMPUREZA!